Systems and methods for induced electrostatic haptic effects

ABSTRACT

One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a processor configured to determine an ESF-based haptic effect and transmit a haptic signal associated with the ESF-based haptic effect. The illustrative system also includes an ESF controller in communication with the processor, the ESF controller configured to receive the haptic signal, determine an ESF signal based at least in part on the haptic signal, and transmit the ESF signal. Further, the illustrative system includes an inducing electrode configured to receive the ESF signal and induce an electric charge on an induced electrode, wherein the inducing electrode does not contact the induced electrode, and wherein the induced electrode is configured to output the ESF-based haptic effect to a surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of user interface devices.More specifically, the present invention relates to inducedelectrostatic haptic effects.

BACKGROUND

As computer-based systems become more prevalent, the quality of theinterfaces through which humans interact with these systems is becomingincreasingly important. One interface that is of growing popularity dueto its intuitive and interactive nature is the touchscreen display.Through a touchscreen display, a user can perform a variety of tasks bycontacting a region of the touchscreen with the user's finger. In orderto create a more intuitive and enhanced user experience, designers oftenleverage user experience with physical interactions. This is generallydone by reproducing some aspects of interactions with the physical worldthrough visual, audio, and/or haptic feedback. Haptic feedback oftentakes the of a mechanical vibration. There is a need for additionalsystems and methods to generate haptic feedback.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise computing devicescomprising induced electrostatic friction (ESF) actuators that generatesurface-based haptic effects. In one embodiment, a system of the presentdisclosure may comprise a processor configured to determine an ESF-basedhaptic effect and transmit a haptic signal associated with the ESF-basedhaptic effect. The system may also comprise an ESF controller incommunication with the processor, the ESF controller configured toreceive the haptic signal, determine an ESF signal based at least inpart on the haptic signal, and transmit the ESF signal. Further, thesystem may comprise an inducing electrode configured to receive the ESFsignal and induce an electric charge on an induced electrode, whereinthe inducing electrode does not contact the induced electrode, andwherein the induced electrode is configured to output the ESF-basedhaptic effect to a surface.

In another embodiment, a method of the present disclosure may comprise:determining an ESF-based haptic effect, transmitting a haptic signalassociated with the ESF-based haptic effect to an ESF controller,determining an ESF signal based at least in part on the haptic signal,and transmitting the ESF signal associated with the ESF-based hapticeffect to an inducing electrode configured to induce an electric chargeon an induced electrode, wherein the inducing electrode does not contactthe induced electrode. The method may further comprise outputting theESF-based haptic effect to a surface. Yet another embodiment comprises acomputer-readable medium for implementing such a method.

These illustrative embodiments are mentioned not to limit or define thelimits of the present subject matter, but to provide examples to aidunderstanding thereof. Illustrative embodiments are discussed in theDetailed Description, and further description is provided there.Advantages offered by various embodiments may be further understood byexamining this specification and/or by practicing one or moreembodiments of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure is set forth more particularly in theremainder of the specification. The specification makes reference to thefollowing appended figures.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system for induced electrostatichaptic effects according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a system for induced electrostatichaptic effects;

FIG. 3 shows a system for induced electrostatic haptic effects accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a system for induced electrostatic hapticeffects;

FIG. 5 shows a system for induced electrostatic haptic effects accordingto another embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a user interaction with a system for induced electrostatichaptic effects according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of steps for performing a method for inducedelectrostatic haptic effects according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 8 shows a system for induced electrostatic haptic effects accordingto another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various and alternativeillustrative embodiments and to the accompanying drawings. Each exampleis provided by way of explanation, and not as a limitation. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variationscan be made. For instance, features illustrated or described as part ofone embodiment may be used in another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that this disclosure includemodifications and variations as come within the scope of the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

Illustrative Examples of Induced Electrostatic Haptic Effects

One illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure comprises asmartphone. The smartphone comprises a touchscreen display, a memory,and a processor in communication with each of these elements. Thetouchscreen display of the illustrative device comprises one or moresensors for determining the location of a touch relative to the displayarea, corresponding in this example to the screen of the smartphone.

In the illustrative embodiment, the smartphone comprises one or morehaptic output devices configured to provide haptic effects to the user.At least one haptic output device comprises an induced ESF actuator,which outputs a haptic effect via electrostatic attraction.

In the illustrative embodiment, the induced ESF actuator comprises afirst electrode (hereinafter the “inducing electrode”) positionedbeneath a second electrode (hereinafter the “induced electrode”), withspace between the inducing and induced electrodes. The induced electrodeis coupled to the back of the smartphone's touchscreen display. In sucha system, the smartphone causes an electric signal, for example an ACsignal, to be applied to the inducing electrode. The electric signalcauses the inducing electrode to generate a charge on the inducedelectrode, which may create capacitive coupling with an object (e.g.,the user's hand or a stylus) near or touching the surface of thetouchscreen display. A user may then feel this capacitive coupling as ahaptic effect comprising, for example, a change in the perceivedcoefficient of friction or a simulated texture on the surface of thetouchscreen display.

In the illustrative embodiment, the induced ESF actuator outputs ahaptic effect in response to an event. An event, as used herein, is anyinteraction, action, collision, or other event which occurs duringoperation of the device which can potentially comprise an associatedhaptic effect. In some embodiments, an event may comprise user input(e.g., interaction with a real or virtual button; manipulating ajoystick; interacting with a touch surface; tilting or orienting acomputing device; or bending, folding, twisting, stretching, or flexinga computing device), a system status (e.g., low battery, low memory, ora system notification, such as a notification generated based on thesystem receiving an incoming call), sending data, receiving data, or aprogram event (e.g., if the program is a game, a program event maycomprise explosions, collisions or interactions between game objects, oradvancing to a new level).

The description of the illustrative embodiment above is provided merelyas an example, not to limit or define the limits of the present subjectmatter. Various other embodiments of the present invention are describedherein and variations of such embodiments would be understood by one ofskill in the art. Advantages offered by various embodiments may befurther understood by examining this specification and/or by practicingone or more embodiments of the claimed subject matter.

Illustrative Systems for Induced Electrostatic Haptic Effects

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system for induced electrostatichaptic effects according to one embodiment. In the embodiment shown,system 100 comprises a computing device 101 having a processor 102 incommunication with other hardware via bus 106. Computing device maycomprise, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or portable gaming device.While computing device 101 is shown as a single device in FIG. 1, inother embodiments, the computing device may comprise multiple devices,such as a game console and one or more game controllers. A memory 104,which can comprise any suitable tangible (and non-transitory)computer-readable medium such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, or the like, embodiesprogram components that configure operation of the computing device 101.In this example, computing device 101 further includes one or morenetwork interface devices 110, input/output (I/O) interface components112, and storage 114.

Network device 110 can represent one or more of any components thatfacilitate a network connection. Examples include, but are not limitedto, wired interfaces such as Ethernet, USB, IEEE 1394, and/or wirelessinterfaces such as IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, or radio interfaces foraccessing cellular telephone networks (e.g., transceiver/antenna foraccessing a CDMA, GSM, UMTS, or other mobile communications network).

I/O components 112 may be used to facilitate wired or wirelessconnection to devices such as one or more displays, game controllers,keyboards, mice, speakers, microphones, and/or other hardware used toinput data or output data. Storage 114 represents nonvolatile storagesuch as magnetic, optical, or other storage media included in device 101or coupled to processor 102.

System 100 further includes a touch surface 116, which, in this example,is integrated into computing device 101. Touch surface 116 representsany surface that is configured to sense tactile input of a user. One ormore sensors 108 are configured to detect a touch in a touch area whenan object contacts a touch surface and provide appropriate data for useby processor 102. Any suitable number, type, or arrangement of sensorscan be used. For example, resistive and/or capacitive sensors may beembedded in touch surface 116 and used to determine the location of atouch and other information, such as pressure and/or the size of thecontact surface area between a user's body and the touchscreen. Asanother example, optical sensors with a view of the touch surface 116may be used to determine the touch position.

In other embodiments, the sensor 108 may comprise a LED detector. Forexample, in one embodiment, touch surface 116 comprises a LED fingerdetector mounted on the side of a display. In some embodiments, theprocessor 102 is in communication with a single sensor 108, in otherembodiments, the processor is in communication with a plurality ofsensors 108, for example, a first touch-screen and a second touchscreen. The sensor 108 is configured to detect user interaction, andbased on the user interaction, transmit signals to processor 102. Insome embodiments, sensor 108 may be configured to detect multipleaspects of the user interaction. For example, sensor 108 may detect thespeed and pressure of a user interaction, and incorporate thisinformation into the interface signal.

In some embodiments, sensor 108 and touch surface 116 may comprise atouch-screen or a touch-pad. For example, in some embodiments, touchsurface 116 and sensor 108 may comprise a touch-screen mounted overtopof a display configured to receive a display signal and output an imageto the user.

In the embodiment shown, computing device 101 comprises one or moreadditional sensors 130. The sensor 130 is configured to transmit sensor130 signals to processor 102. In some embodiments, the sensor 130 maycomprise a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a globalpositioning (GPS) unit, a temperature sensor, an ambient light sensor,and/or other sensors for detecting motion, location, and/orenvironmental characteristics. In some embodiments, the processor 102 isin communication with a single sensor 130, in other embodiments, theprocessor 102 is in communication with a plurality of sensors 130, forexample, a gyroscope and an accelerometer. Although sensor 130 isdepicted in FIG. 1 as being internal to computing device 101, in someembodiments, the sensor 130 may be external to computing device 101. Insome embodiments, an electronic device external to the computing device101 (e.g., a second computing device 101) may comprise the sensor 130.In some embodiments, the electronic device may be configured to transmitsignals from the sensor 130 to the processor 102 within the computingdevice 101.

Haptic output device 118 is configured to output an effect that can besensed by a user. In some embodiments, haptic output device 118 isconfigured to output a haptic effect simulating a change in a perceivedcoefficient of friction or a texture on the touch surface 116 inresponse to an ESF signal. Haptic output device 118 may be rigid orflexible.

Haptic output device 118 comprises an induced ESF actuator. An inducedESF actuator comprises an inducing electrode and an induced electrode.The inducing electrode is configured to induce an electric field on theinduced electrode. In some embodiments, the induced electrode may becoupled to the touch surface 116 and configured to output one or morehaptic effects to the touch surface 116.

The induced and inducing electrodes comprise a conductive material, forexample, copper, tin, iron, aluminum, gold, silver, carbon nanotubes(CNT), or indium tin oxide (ITO). As the conductivity of the inducedand/or inducing electrode decreases, in some embodiments, the user mayperceive a weaker haptic effect. In some embodiments, the induced and/orinducing electrode may be transparent. In some embodiments, the inducedelectrode may be coupled to ground. Further, in some embodiments, aninsulator layer, an air gap, or both may be disposed between theinducing electrode and the induced electrode. Disposing an insulatorlayer, an air gap, or both between the inducing and induced electrodesmay improve the safety of the haptic output device 118 by improving theelectric isolation between the user's finger and the voltage carriedthrough the inducing electrode. In some embodiments, the electricisolation may be improved by increasing the distance between the user'sfinger and the voltage carried through the inducing electrode. Further,in some embodiments, the electric isolation may be improved byintroducing a dielectric material between the user's finger and theinducing electrode. In some embodiments, the insulator layer maycomprise, for example, glass, porcelain, plastic, polymer, fiberglass,nitrogen, sulfur hexafluoride, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the inducing electrode iscommunicatively coupled to ESF controller 120. ESF controller 120 isconfigured to receive a haptic signal from processor 102 and output anESF signal to the haptic output device 118. The ESF signal comprises ACvoltage from a power source. In some embodiments, the ESF signal may beassociated with the haptic signal. In some embodiments, the ESFcontroller 120 may comprise one or more operational amplifiers,transistors, and/or other digital or analog components for amplifyingsignals. For example, in one embodiment, ESF controller 120 comprises ahigh-voltage amplifier. Further, in some embodiments, the ESF controller120 may comprise a processor, a microcontroller, a multiplexer, atransistor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a flip-flop, and/orother digital or analog circuitry.

In some embodiments, processor 102 may output a haptic signal to the ESFcontroller 120. Based on this haptic signal, the ESF controller 120outputs an ESF signal to haptic output device 118. The haptic outputdevice 118 receives the ESF signal at the inducing electrode. As the ESFsignal travels through the inducing electrode, it may induce a charge inthe induced electrode. This charge may then create a capacitive couplingwith an object on or near the surface of touch surface 116, providingthe haptic effect.

In some embodiments, the surface of touch surface 116 may be smooth, butthe haptic output device 118 may output an ESF haptic effect thatproduces an attractive force between parts of the body or an object nearthe surface of touch surface 116. In such an embodiment, the attractiveforce may stimulate the nerve endings in the skin of a user's finger orcomponents in a stylus that can respond to the induced ESF actuator. Thenerve endings in the skin, for example, may be stimulated and sense theinduced ESF actuator (e.g., the capacitive coupling) as a vibration orsome more specific sensation. For example, in one such embodiment, asthe user moves his or her finger across the touch surface 116, theinduced electrode capacitively couples with his or her finger, and theuser may sense a texture or a perceive a change in a coefficient offriction on the touch surface 116. In some embodiments, varying thelevels of attraction between the induced electrode and an object on ornear touch surface 116 can vary the haptic effect perceived by the userand/or the perceived coefficient of friction.

In some embodiments, haptic output device 118 may comprise an ESFactuator of the type described above in addition to other kinds ofhaptic output devices. For example, in some embodiments, haptic outputdevice 118 may further comprise actuators configured to vibrate thesurface of touch surface 116 or other parts of computing device 101,e.g., the housing of computing device 101. In such an embodiment, aninduced ESF actuator may also output a haptic effect, for example, ahaptic effect configured to change a perceived coefficient of frictionon the surface of touch surface 116.

In still other embodiments, haptic output device 118 may outputadditional haptic effects by vibrating touch surface 116 or the housingof computing device 101 at different frequencies. For example, hapticoutput device 118 may comprise one or more of a piezoelectric actuator,an electric motor, an electro-magnetic actuator, a voice coil, a shapememory alloy, an electro-active polymer, a solenoid, an ERM, or a linearresonant actuator (LRA). Further, some haptic effects may utilize anactuator coupled to a housing of the device, and some haptic effects mayuse multiple actuators of the same or different types in sequence and/orin concert. Although a single haptic output device 118 is shown here,embodiments may use multiple haptic output devices 118 of the same ordifferent type to produce haptic effects.

Turning to memory 104, illustrative program components 124, 126, and 128are depicted to illustrate how a device can be configured in someembodiments to provide induced electrostatic haptic effects. In thisexample, a detection module 124 configures processor 102 to monitortouch surface 116 via sensor 108 to determine a position of a touch. Forexample, module 124 may sample sensor 108 in order to track the presenceor absence of a touch and, if a touch is present, to track one or moreof the location, path, velocity, acceleration, pressure and/or othercharacteristics of the touch over time.

Haptic effect determination module 126 represents a program componentthat analyzes data regarding touch characteristics to select a hapticeffect to generate. Particularly, module 126 may comprises code thatdetermines, based on the location of the touch, a haptic effect tooutput to the surface of the touch surface and code that selects one ormore haptic effects to provide in order to simulate the effect. In someembodiments, the haptic effect may comprise an electrostatic hapticeffect. For example, some or all of the area of touch surface 116 may bemapped to a graphical user interface. Different haptic effects may beselected based on the location of a touch in order to simulate thepresence of a feature by simulating a texture on a surface of touchsurface 116 so that the feature is felt when a correspondingrepresentation of the feature is seen in the interface. However, hapticeffects may be provided via touch surface 116 even if a correspondingelement is not displayed in the interface (e.g., a haptic effect may beprovided if a boundary in the interface is crossed, even if the boundaryis not displayed). In some embodiments, haptic effect determinationmodule 126 may determine haptic effects based on other kinds of events,for example, other kinds of user input (e.g., a button press, joystickmanipulation, and/or tilting or moving the computing device 101), gameactivity (e.g., a gunshot, an explosion, jumping, falling, or completinga level or mission), background system 100 activity, and/or system 100status notifications (e.g., low battery, low memory, a networkconnection problem, or a problem with hardware or software).

Haptic effect generation module 128 represents programming that causesprocessor 102 to generate and transmit a haptic signal to ESF controller120 to generate the selected electrostatic haptic effect at least when atouch is occurring. For example, generation module 128 may access storedwaveforms or commands to send to ESF controller 120. As another example,haptic effect generation module 128 may receive a desired type oftexture and utilize signal processing algorithms to generate anappropriate signal to send to ESF controller 120. As a further example,a desired texture may be indicated along with target coordinates for thetexture and an appropriate waveform sent to ESF controller 120 togenerate the texture in the appropriate location. Some embodiments mayutilize multiple haptic output devices 118 in concert to simulate afeature. For instance, a variation in texture may simulate crossing aboundary between a virtual button on an interface while a vibrationeffect simulates the response when the button is pressed.

A touch surface may or may not overlay (or otherwise correspond to) adisplay, depending on the particular configuration of the system 100.For example, FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a system for inducedelectrostatic haptic effects. Computing device 201 includes a touchenabled display 216 that combines a touch surface and a display of thedevice. The touch surface may correspond to the display exterior or oneor more layers of material above the actual display components.

FIG. 3 shows a system for induced electrostatic haptic effects accordingto one embodiment. In this example, the touch surface 316 does notoverlay a display 322. Rather, the computing device 301 comprises atouch surface 316 which may be mapped to a graphical user interfaceprovided in a display 322 that is included in computing system 320interfaced to device 301. For example, computing device 301 may comprisea mouse, trackpad, or other device, while computing system 320 maycomprise a desktop or laptop computer, set-top box (e.g., DVD player,DVR, cable television box), or another computing system. As anotherexample, touch surface 316 and display 322 may be disposed in the samedevice, such as a touch enabled trackpad in a laptop computer comprisingdisplay 322. Whether integrated with a display 322 or otherwise, thedepiction of planar touch surfaces 316 in the examples herein is notmeant to be limiting. Other embodiments include curved or irregulartouch surfaces 316 that are further configured to provide surface-basedhaptic effects.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a system for induced electrostatic hapticeffects. In this example, computing device 401 comprises a touch enableddisplay 418. Computing device 401 may be configured similarly tocomputing device 101 of FIG. 1, though components such as the processor,memory, sensors, and the like are not shown in this view for purposes ofclarity.

Computing device 401 comprises a touch surface 416 and an inducedelectrode 422. In some embodiments, a display 418 comprises the touchsurface 416 and the induced electrode 422. In other embodiments, thetouch surface 416 and the induced electrode 422 may be coupled directlyto the display 418, such as a layer of material on top of display 418.In this example, the area of the display 418 corresponds to the touchsurface 416, though the same principles could be applied to a touchsurface 416 completely separate from the display 418.

Computing device 401 comprises an inducing electrode 420 not in contactwith the induced electrode 422, and configured to induce an electriccharge on the induced electrode 422. In the example shown in FIG. 4, theinducing electrode 420 is positioned below the induced electrode 422.However, in other embodiments, the inducing electrode 420 may bepositioned above or to the side of the induced electrode 422. In someembodiments, an air gap 424 may be between the inducing electrode 420and the induced electrode 422. In other embodiments, an insulator may bedisposed between the inducing electrode 420 and the induced electrode422. In still other embodiments, there may be both an air gap and one ormore insulators disposed between the inducing electrode 420 and theinduced electrode 422. In some embodiments, the inducing electrode 420may be coupled to the housing of device 401.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, computing device 501 maycomprise multiple induced electrodes 524 and 526 coupled to the touchsurface 516 at different locations, as well as multiple inducingelectrodes 528 and 530 for inducing charges in the multiple inducedelectrodes 524 and 526. This configuration may allow many electrostatichaptic effects to be output to the touch surface 516 at differentlocations.

In one such embodiment, computing device 501 may comprise a firstinduced electrode 524 positioned below the left side of the touchsurface 516 and a second induced electrode 526 positioned below theright side of the touch surface 516. In such an embodiment, a firstinducing electrode 528 and a second inducing electrode 530 may bepositioned below the first and second induced electrodes 524 and 526,respectively, with an air gap 532 or other insulator between the inducedelectrodes 524 and 526 and the inducing electrodes 528 and 530. As auser interacts with the touch surface, computing device 502 maydetermine and output one or more ESF haptic effects.

For example, in some embodiments, these electrostatic haptic effects maycomprise a texture on the left side of the touch surface 516 and aperceived increase in a coefficient of friction on the right side of thetouch surface 516. In such embodiments, the computing device's 501 ESFcontroller may output a first ESF signal to the first inducing electrode528 in order to induce a first charge on the first induced electrode524, and a second ESF signal to the second inducing electrode 530 inorder to induce a second charge on the second induced electrode 526. Theinduced charges may couple the first and second induced electrodes 524and 526 with conductive parts of a user's finger. As the user interactswith the touch surface 516 and moves his or her finger along the touchsurface 516, the user may perceive a texture on the left side of thetouch surface 516 and/or a change in a coefficient of friction on theright side of the touch surface 516.

FIG. 6 shows a user interaction with a system for induced electrostatichaptic effects according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, display618 comprises a touch surface 616 and an induced electrode 622. Further,computing device 601 comprises an inducing electrode 620 not in contactwith the induced electrode 622 and configured to induce an electriccharge on the induced electrode 622. In some embodiments, computingdevice 601 also comprises an air gap 624 or another insulator betweenthe inducing electrode 620 and the induced electrode 622. Disposing anair gap 624, an insulator, or both between the inducing electrode 620and the induced electrode 622 may improve the safety of the computingdevice 601 by improving the electric isolation between the user's finger604 and the voltage carried through the inducing electrode 620. In someembodiments, the electric isolation may be improved by increasing thedistance between the user's finger 604 and the voltage carried throughthe inducing electrode 620. Further, in some embodiments, the electricisolation may be improved by introducing a dielectric material betweenthe user's finger 604 and the inducing electrode 620.

In some embodiments, as the user interacts with the touch surface 616,computing device 601 may determine and output an ESF haptic effect. Forexample, in one such embodiment, the display 618 may output a button aspart of a GUI. As the user interacts with the button by placing his orher finger 604 over the button's location on the touch surface 616, thecomputing device 601 may determine an ESF haptic effect. For example, inone embodiment, this haptic effect comprises an increase in theperceived coefficient of friction on the touch surface 616. In one suchembodiment, computing device 620 may output a haptic signal to an ESFcontroller, which then outputs an ESF signal to the inducing electrode620 based on the haptic signal. In other embodiments, computing device620 may output a haptic signal directly to the inducing electrode 620.Based on the ESF or haptic signal, the inducing electrode 620 may inducean electric charge on the induced electrode 622. In one such embodiment,the induced electric charge on the induced electrode 622 maycapacitively couple the user's finger 604 to the touch surface 616,creating an electrostatic haptic effect simulating a perceived increasein a coefficient of friction on the surface of touch surface 616.

Illustrative Methods for Induced Electrostatic Haptic Effects

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of steps for performing a method for inducedelectrostatic haptic effects according to one embodiment. In someembodiments, the steps in FIG. 7 may be implemented in program code thatis executed by a processor, for example, the processor in a generalpurpose computer, a mobile device, or a server. In some embodiments,these steps may be implemented by a group of processors. In someembodiments one or more steps shown in FIG. 7 may be omitted orperformed in a different order. Similarly, in some embodiments,additional steps not shown in FIG. 7 may also be performed. The stepsbelow are described with reference to components described above withregard to system 100 shown in FIG. 1.

The method 700 begins at step 706 when processor 102 determines anESF-based haptic effect. In some embodiments, the ESF-based hapticeffect comprises a simulated texture or a perceived change in acoefficient of friction.

In some embodiments, the processor 102 may rely on programming containedin haptic effect determination module 126 to determine the electrostatichaptic effect to output to haptic output device 118. For example, insome embodiments, haptic effect determination module 126 may comprise alookup table. In one such embodiment, specific user inputs may beassociated with particular electrostatic haptic effects. For example, inone embodiment, in response to typing the word “friction” on a virtualkeyboard on the touch surface 116, the haptic effect determinationmodule 126 associates an ESF-based haptic effect wherein the hapticoutput device 116 increases the perceived coefficient of friction at thetouch surface 116.

In some embodiments, processor 102 may determine an ESF-based hapticeffect based in part on a user interaction with the touch sensitivesurface 116. In some embodiments, sensor 108 may comprise one or more ofa plurality of sensors known in the art, for example, resistive and/orcapacitive sensors may be embedded in touch sensitive surface 116 andused to determine the location of a touch and other information, such aspressure. Upon detecting an interaction, sensors 108 may send a signalassociated with that interaction to processor 102. The sensor 108 signalmay comprise data associated with the speed, pressure, or direction, ofthe user interaction, which processor 102 may use at least in part todetermine a haptic effect. In some embodiments, processor 102 maydetermine a haptic effect based in part on a user interaction with areal or virtual button, a joystick, and/or tilting or moving computingdevice 101. For example, in some embodiments, processor 102 maydetermine a haptic effect based on a user pressing a button comprising aperceived increase in a coefficient of friction.

In some embodiments, processor 102 may determine the ESF-based hapticeffect based in part on a signal from a sensor 130 configured to detectone or more of motion, orientation, a GPS location, an amount of ambientlight, a temperature, or whether a user is in contact with the computingdevice 101. For example, in one embodiment, processor 102 associates auser tilting computing device 101 with an ESF-based haptic effectcomprising a perceived increase in a coefficient of friction.

In some embodiments, the lookup table may comprise data associated withfeatures of a user interface and a plurality of available hapticeffects. For example, in one such embodiment, the lookup table comprisesdata associated with user interactions with a user interface, such assliding a user's finger over a virtual button, and a plurality ofavailable ESF-based haptic effects. For example, in such an embodiment,in response to a user sliding a finger over a virtual button, theprocessor 102 may consult the lookup table and associate an ESF-basedhaptic effect to be output by the haptic output device 118 wherein theperceived coefficient of friction at touch surface 116 is increased. Insome embodiments, the plurality of available ESF-based haptic effectsmay comprise a plurality of textures. For example, the plurality oftextures may comprise one or more of the textures of: sand, glass, ice,rubber, water, or any other available texture. For example, in oneembodiment, a specific texture is associated with a button, for example,a glass texture. In such an embodiment, the processor 102 may consultthe lookup table and determine an ESF-based haptic effect wherein theperceived coefficient of friction on the surface of touch surface 116 isdecreased to create the feel of a glass button.

In other embodiments, processor 102 may use activity associated with anelectronic game (e.g., a game played on a tablet, computer, or dedicatedgaming system such as a console) to determine a haptic effect. Forexample, in some embodiments, an ESF-based haptic effect may beassociated with the virtual terrain that a character in the game ispassing over. For example, in one embodiment, an ESF-based haptic effectis associated with sand over which the character in the video game iswalking. In such an embodiment, the processor 102 may determine anESF-based haptic effect wherein the perceived coefficient of friction onthe surface of touch surface 116 is increased to create the feel ofsand.

In some embodiments, processor 102 may use a system status message, asystem notification, and/or other events to determine a haptic effect.For example, a system status message, such as low battery or low memory,or a system notification, such as a notification generated based on thesystem receiving an incoming call, may be associated with particularESF-based haptic effects. In one such embodiment, upon the systemreceiving an incoming call, processor 102 may consult the haptic effectdetermination module 126 and associate an incoming call notificationwith an ESF-based haptic effect comprising a simulated vibration.

In some embodiments, the processor 102 may apply data from a user inputto an algorithm to determine an ESF-based haptic effect. For example, inone such embodiment, a user may input a number as part of a game. Inresponse, the processor 102 determines an ESF-based haptic effectwherein the haptic output device 118 increases a perceived coefficientof friction at the surface of touch surface 116 in an amount that isinversely proportional to the size of a number the user input.

Further, in some embodiments, users may have “haptic profiles” wherein auser can determine and save in memory 104 a “profile” of the hapticeffects the user would like associated with particular events. Forexample, in some embodiments, a user can select from a list of optionswhich haptic effect the user would like associated with a button on auser interface. In such embodiments, the list may comprise, for example,ESF-based haptic effects such as high coefficient of friction, lowcoefficient of friction, patterned changes in the coefficient offriction, or textures such as bumpy, rubbery, or smooth. In such anembodiment, the processor 102 may consult with the user's haptic profileto determine which ESF-based haptic effect to generate. For example, ifthe user's haptic profile associates interaction with the button with atexture, such as smooth, in response to the user placing his or herfinger over the button, processor 102 may determine an ESF-based hapticeffect wherein the user perceives a low coefficient of friction on thesurface of touch surface 116.

The method 700 continues at step 708 when processor 102 transmits ahaptic signal associated with the ESF-based haptic effect. Processor 102may transmit the haptic signal to an ESF controller 120. In someembodiments, the processor 102 may access drive signals stored in memory104 and associated with particular ESF-based haptic effects. In oneembodiment, a signal is generated by accessing a stored algorithm andinputting parameters associated with an effect. For example, in such anembodiment, an algorithm may output data for use in generating a drivesignal based on amplitude and frequency parameters. As another example,a haptic signal may comprise data to be decoded by an actuator. Forinstance, the actuator may itself respond to commands specifyingparameters such as amplitude and frequency.

The method 700 continues at step 710 when the ESF controller 120receives the haptic signal. In some embodiments, the haptic signal maycomprise a digital signal. In other embodiments, the haptic signal maycomprise an analog signal. In some such embodiments, the ESF controller120 may perform analog-to-digital conversion.

The method 700 continues at step 712 when the ESF controller 120determines an ESF signal. In some embodiments, the ESF controller 120may determine an ESF signal based at least in part on the haptic signal.

In some embodiments, the ESF controller 120 may comprise a processor ora microcontroller. The processor or microcontroller may rely onprogramming contained in memory to determine the ESF signal to output tohaptic output device 118. In some embodiments, the programming containedin the memory may comprise a lookup table. In some embodiments, theprocessor or microcontroller may use the lookup table to associate ahaptic signal with an ESF signal to output. For example, in some suchembodiments, the ESF controller 120 may use a lookup table to associatea haptic signal with an ESF signal comprising an amplified, inverted, orfrequency-shifted version of the haptic signal. In other embodiments,the programming contained in the memory may comprise an algorithm. Insome such embodiments, the processor or microcontroller may determinethe ESF signal by applying data from the haptic signal to the algorithm.

In some embodiments, the ESF controller 120 may comprise a crystaloscillator, a relay, a multiplexer, an amplifier, a switch, and/or othermeans for generating an ESF signal. In some embodiments, the ESFcontroller 120 may comprise a switch coupling the inducing electrode ofthe haptic output device 118 to a high voltage source. In such anembodiment, the haptic signal may cause ESF controller 120 to oscillatethe switch, such that an ESF signal comprising high voltage istransmitted to the inducing electrode in a pattern configured togenerate the desired ESF-based haptic effect. In still otherembodiments, the ESF controller 120 may comprise a multiplexer couplingone or more inducing electrodes in haptic output device 118 to a highvoltage source. Based on the haptic signal, the ESF controller 120 maycontrol the multiplexer such that an ESF signal comprising high voltageis transmitted to the inducing electrodes in a pattern configured togenerate the desired ESF-based haptic effect.

The method 700 continues at step 714 when ESF controller 120 transmitsan ESF signal associated with the haptic signal to haptic output device118. In some embodiments, the ESF controller 120 may output, as the ESFsignal, an amplified, frequency-shifted, or inverted version of thehaptic signal to the inducing electrode in the haptic output device 118.In some embodiments, the ESF controller 120 may output high voltage asthe ESF signal to haptic output device 118. In some embodiments, the ESFcontroller 120 may access drive signals stored in memory and associatedwith particular ESF-based haptic effects or haptic signals. In oneembodiment, a signal is generated by accessing a stored algorithm andinputting parameters associated with an effect. For example, in such anembodiment, an algorithm may output data for use in generating a drivesignal based on amplitude and frequency parameters. As another example,an ESF signal may comprise data to be decoded by the actuator. Forinstance, the actuator may itself respond to commands specifyingparameters such as amplitude and frequency.

The method 700 continues at step 716 when haptic output device 118outputs the ESF-based haptic effect. In some embodiments, the ESF-basedhaptic effect comprises a simulated vibration, a simulated texture, or achange in a perceived coefficient of friction.

Haptic output device 118 comprises an inducing electrode and an inducedelectrode, with space between the inducing and the induced electrodes.The ESF signal comprises an electric signal that is applied to theinducing electrode, which charges the inducing electrode. The electricsignal is an AC signal that, in some embodiments, may be generated by ahigh-voltage amplifier. Applying an electric signal to the inducingelectrode may cause the inducing electrode to induce a charge on theinduced electrode. Induction, or more specifically electrostaticinduction, may occur when a charged object is brought near an uncharged,electrically conductive object in which there are an equal number ofprotons and electrons. The charged object, depending on how it'scharged, may attract either the protons or the electrons in theuncharged object, causing the protons and the electrons to separate.This separation may negatively charge one region of the uncharged objectand positively charge another region of the uncharged object; i.e.induce charges. For example, in some embodiments, the ESF signal maycharge the inducing electrode (the “charged object”) so that it inducesa charge on the induced electrode (the “uncharged object”). Because theinduced electrode may be electrically conductive and uncharged in itsrest state, in some embodiments, it may be subject to induced charges.In some embodiments, the charge induced on the induced electrode maycapacitively couple an object, such as a user's finger, to the touchsurface 116. The capacitive coupling may, in some embodiments, result inthe user perceiving the haptic effect.

Additional Embodiments of Systems for Induced Electrostatic HapticEffects

FIG. 8 shows a system for induced electrostatic haptic effects accordingto another embodiment. System 800 comprises an electronic device 802.The electronic device 802 may comprise, for example, a desktop computer,laptop computer, kiosk, smartphone, tablet, e-reader, alarm system,medical device, pen, game system, portable game system, or television.The electronic device 802 comprises an inducing electrode 804. In someembodiments, the inducing electrode 804 may be configured to generate anelectrostatic field within a radius of the inducing electrode 804.

The system 800 further comprises an induced electrode 802. In someembodiments, the induced electrode 802 may be associated with a wearableor graspable device. For example, in some embodiments, the inducedelectrode 802 may be associated with hats, sleeves, jackets, collars,glasses, gloves, rings, articles of clothing, jewelry, game systemcontrollers, steering wheels, other mobile devices, mobile deviceholders, tablets, e-readers, laptops, gamepads, joysticks, and/or gearshifters.

In some embodiments, the electronic device 802 may cause an electricsignal, for example an AC signal, to be applied to the inducingelectrode 804. The electric signal causes the inducing electrode 804 togenerate an electrostatic filed. In some embodiments, if the inducedelectrode 806 is within the range of the electrostatic field, theinducing electrode 804 may generate a charge on the induced electrode806. The charge on the induced electrode 806 may create capacitivecoupling with an object (e.g., a user's body part, for example, theirarm, leg, chest, head, hand, back, or finger) near or touching thesurface of the induced electrode 806. A user may feel this capacitivecoupling as a haptic effect comprising, for example, a simulatedvibration or a simulated texture on the surface of the induced electrode806.

In some embodiments, the strength of the haptic effect perceived by theuser may depend on the distance between the inducing electrode 804 andthe induced electrode 806. For example, in some embodiments, as thedistance between the inducing electrode 804 and the induced electrode806 decreases, the user may perceive a haptic effect with increasingstrength. In some embodiments, if the induced electrode 806 is notwithin the range of the electrostatic field generated by the inducingelectrode 806, the user may not feel a haptic effect.

In some embodiments, the system 800 may output a haptic effect upon theoccurrence of an event (e.g., completing a game level). In someembodiments, an event may comprise an induced electrode 806 enteringwithin the range of an electrostatic field generated by an inducingelectrode 804. For example, in some embodiments, a user may be wearingan article of clothing (e.g., a hat) comprising an induced electrode806. An inducing electrode 804 may be positioned, for example, in thestore that manufactured the article of clothing worn by the user. Anelectronic device 802 may be applying an electric signal to the inducingelectrode 806, which may generate an electrostatic field. As a userenters within the range of the electrostatic field generated by theinducing electrode 806, the inducing electrode 804 may generate a chargeon the induced electrode 806. The charge on the induced electrode 806may create capacitive coupling with the user's body (e.g., the user'shead). The user may perceive this capacitive coupling as a hapticeffect. In some embodiments, as the distance between the user and theinducing electrode 804 decreases (e.g., if the user enters the store),the user may perceive a stronger haptic effect.

As another example, in some embodiments, an induced electrode 806 may beassociated with a graspable device, for example, a car steering wheel. Auser may drive the car down the highway while grasping the steeringwheel, for example, to navigate. In some embodiments, an inducingelectrode 804 may positioned, for example, at points along the highway.For example, in some embodiments, the inducing electrode 804 may bepositioned at a toll station. An electronic device 802 may be applyingan electric signal to the inducing electrode 806, which may generate anelectrostatic field. As a user enters within the range of theelectrostatic field generated by the inducing electrode 806, theinducing electrode 804 may generate a charge on the induced electrode806. The charge on the induced electrode 806 may create capacitivecoupling with the user's hand. The user may perceive this capacitivecoupling as a haptic effect. In some embodiments, the haptic effect mayalert the user to information, for example, that the user must pay atoll.

Advantages of Induced Electrostatic Haptic Effects

There are numerous advantages to induced electrostatic haptic effects.For example, such systems may be safer for a user than traditionalESF-based actuators. Traditional ESF-based actuators may comprise anelectrode carrying more than 100 volts of electricity with only a singleinsulator between the user and the electrode. Further, the insulator istypically thin to allow the user to feel the ESF effect. Should theinsulator fail, the user may be directly exposed to high voltage.Conversely, induced ESF actuators may comprise a first insulator, anelectrode (i.e. the induced electrode), and a second insulator (or asecond insulator and an air gap) between the user and the high voltage,allowing the user to be farther away from, and further electricallyinsulated from, the high voltage.

Further, in some embodiments, induced ESF haptic output devices may beeasier to implement than traditional ESF-based haptic output devices.Traditionally, a touch surface may comprise an electrode that is used asboth a touch input sensor and to output ESF haptic effects. Amultiplexer, transistors, and/or other hardware may be used to switchthe electrode between input and output modes. When configured to output,the switching hardware may couple the electrode with a high voltagesource for producing an ESF haptic effect. When configured to input, theswitching hardware may decouple the electrode from the high voltagesource. Conversely, in some embodiments, such switching hardware may notbe necessary because there may be no need to switch between input andoutput modes. In some embodiments, an induced electrode may beconfigured to detect user input only, while an inducing electrode mayinduce an electric charge on the induced electrode in order to output anESF haptic effect, without any need to directly couple the inducedelectrode to a high voltage source.

In some embodiments, induced ESF actuators may be positioned on devicespreviously unable to provide haptic feedback. For example, embodimentsmay be positioned on the surfaces of pens, socks, rings, sleeves, gearshifters, or virtually any other wearable or graspable device to providehaptic feedback. Providing haptic feedback in such embodiments mayprovide a multitude of benefits, for example by allowing users tointeract with devices without having to visually focus on the devices,which may increase overall user satisfaction.

General Considerations

The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Variousconfigurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures orcomponents as appropriate. For instance, in alternative configurations,the methods may be performed in an order different from that described,and/or various stages may be added, omitted, and/or combined. Also,features described with respect to certain configurations may becombined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elementsof the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also,technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and donot limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.

Specific details are given in the description to provide a thoroughunderstanding of example configurations (including implementations).However, configurations may be practiced without these specific details.For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, andtechniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoidobscuring the configurations. This description provides exampleconfigurations only, and does not limit the scope, applicability, orconfigurations of the claims. Rather, the preceding description of theconfigurations will provide those skilled in the art with an enablingdescription for implementing described techniques. Various changes maybe made in the function and arrangement of elements without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

Also, configurations may be described as a process that is depicted as aflow diagram or block diagram. Although each may describe the operationsas a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed inparallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations maybe rearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in thefigure. Furthermore, examples of the methods may be implemented byhardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardwaredescription languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented insoftware, firmware, middleware, or microcode, the program code or codesegments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in anon-transitory computer-readable medium such as a storage medium.Processors may perform the described tasks.

Having described several example configurations, various modifications,alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departingfrom the spirit of the disclosure. For example, the above elements maybe components of a larger system, wherein other rules may takeprecedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention.Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before, during, or after theabove elements are considered. Accordingly, the above description doesnot bound the scope of the claims.

The use of “adapted to” or “configured to” herein is meant as open andinclusive language that does not foreclose devices adapted to orconfigured to perform additional tasks or steps. Additionally, the useof “based on” is meant to be open and inclusive, in that a process,step, calculation, or other action “based on” one or more recitedconditions or values may, in practice, be based on additional conditionsor values beyond those recited. Headings, lists, and numbering includedherein are for ease of explanation only and are not meant to belimiting.

Embodiments in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter canbe implemented in digital electronic circuitry, in computer hardware,firmware, software, or in combinations of the preceding. In oneembodiment, a computer may comprise a processor or processors. Theprocessor comprises or has access to a computer-readable medium, such asa random access memory (RAM) coupled to the processor. The processorexecutes computer-executable program instructions stored in memory, suchas executing one or more computer programs including a sensor samplingroutine, selection routines, and other routines to perform the methodsdescribed above.

Such processors may comprise a microprocessor, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC),field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and state machines. Suchprocessors may further comprise programmable electronic devices such asPLCs, programmable interrupt controllers (PICS), programmable logicdevices (PLDs), programmable read-only memories (PROMs), electronicallyprogrammable read-only memories (EPROMs or EEPROMs), or other similardevices.

Such processors may comprise, or may be in communication with, media,for example tangible computer-readable media, that may storeinstructions that, when executed by the processor, can cause theprocessor to perform the steps described herein as carried out, orassisted, by a processor. Embodiments of computer-readable media maycomprise, but are not limited to, all electronic, optical, magnetic, orother storage devices capable of providing a processor, such as theprocessor in a web server, with computer-readable instructions. Otherexamples of media comprise, but are not limited to, a floppy disk,CD-ROM, magnetic disk, memory chip, ROM, RAM, ASIC, configuredprocessor, all optical media, all magnetic tape or other magnetic media,or any other medium from which a computer processor can read. Also,various other devices may comprise computer-readable media, such as arouter, private or public network, or other transmission device. Theprocessor, and the processing, described may be in one or morestructures, and may be dispersed through one or more structures. Theprocessor may comprise code for carrying out one or more of the methods(or parts of methods) described herein.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail withrespect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated thatthose skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of theforegoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, andequivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, it should be understoodthat the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of examplerather than limitation, and does not preclude inclusion of suchmodifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matteras would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

What is claimed:
 1. A system comprising: an inducing electrodepositioned on a first device, the first device being positionable at aposition along a road; a power source in communication with the inducingelectrode; and a processor in communication with the power source andconfigured to: determine an electrostatic force (ESF)-based hapticeffect, and cause the power source to transmit a signal configured tocause the inducing electrode to generate an inductive coupling with aninduced electrode positioned on a second device that is remote from andmovable relative to the first device, the inductive coupling configuredto cause the induced electrode to output the ESF-based haptic effect toa surface of the second device, wherein the second device is a componentof a vehicle.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the surface comprises avisual display positioned on the second device.
 3. The system of claim2, wherein the first device is positioned at a toll station.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the inducing electrode is coupled beneath afirst insulator, the first insulator comprising a solid material or aliquid material.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the component of thevehicle is a gear shifter.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein theESF-based haptic effect is configured to vary a perceived coefficient offriction on the surface.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein component ofthe vehicle is a steering wheel.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein thehaptic effect is configured to provide an alert related to a toll.
 9. Amethod comprising: determining, by a first device positionable at aposition along a road, an electrostatic force (ESF)-based haptic effect;and generating, by the first device, an inductive coupling between aninducing electrode positioned on the first device and an inducedelectrode positioned on a second device that is remote from and moveablerelative to the first device, the inductive coupling configured to causethe induced electrode to output the ESF-based haptic effect to a surfaceof the second device, wherein the second device is a component of avehicle.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the ESF-based haptic effectis configured to vary a perceived coefficient of friction on thesurface.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the induced electrode iscoupled to a touch surface, and the induced electrode and the touchsurface are disposed within a visual display.
 12. The method of claim 9,wherein the second device is a steering wheel.
 13. The method of claim9, wherein the second device is a gear shifter.
 14. A non-transientcomputer readable medium comprising program code, which when executed bya processor is configured to cause the processor to: determine anelectrostatic force (ESF)-based haptic effect; and transmit a signalconfigured to cause an inducing electrode positioned on a first deviceto generate an inductive coupling with an induced electrode positionedon a second device that is remote from and moveable relative to thefirst device, the inductive coupling configured to cause the inducedelectrode to output the ESF-based haptic effect to a surface of thesecond device, wherein the first device is positionable at a positionalong a road; and wherein the second device is a component of a vehicle.15. The non-transient computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein theinduced electrode is coupled to a first insulator disposed within avisual display of the second device.
 16. The non-transient computerreadable medium of claim 14, wherein the second device is a steeringwheel.
 17. The non-transient computer readable medium of claim 15,wherein the second device is a gear shifter.
 18. The non-transientcomputer readable medium of claim 14, wherein the ESF-based hapticeffect is configured to vary a perceived coefficient of friction on thesurface.
 19. The method of claim 9, wherein the second device ispositioned at a toll station.
 20. A device comprising: a surfacepositioned to be contacted by a user; and a first electrode coupled tothe surface and positioned to output a haptic effect to the surface inresponse to an inductive coupling between the first electrode and asecond electrode that is positionable at a position along a road, thesecond electrode being remote from and movable relative to the device;wherein the surface is part of a component of a vehicle.
 21. The deviceof claim 20, wherein the second electrode is positioned at a tollstation.
 22. The device of claim 20, wherein the second electrode ispositioned on a remote device, and wherein the haptic effect isdetermined by the remote device and configured to convey informationdetermined by the remote device.
 23. The device of claim 20, wherein thesurface is a touch-sensitive surface and the first electrode ispositioned beneath the touch-sensitive surface and internal to thedevice.
 24. The device of claim 20, wherein the first electrode iselectrically disconnected from electrical components of the device. 25.The method of claim 9, wherein the second device is a steering wheel ora gear shifter, the position along the road is a toll station, and theESF-based haptic effect is configured to provide an alert related to atoll.